Initiative to help local unemployed learn about work opportunities

Andrew Nutter of Nutters Restaurant (left) with Bev Harmstone, Hopwood Hall College’s Training @ Hopwood Work Experience Co-ordinator

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Unemployed local people have been learning about work opportunities within the food industry as part of the national initiative ‘Feeding Britain’s Future.’

The initiative, which is now in its second year, was launched by the research and education charity IGD. It aims to help young people who are unemployed by working with training providers and companies in the food sector to offer pre-employment training opportunities across the country.

Training @ Hopwood, in association with Rochdale Job Centre Plus, held a three hour taster event for unemployed young people at The Baum, Rochdale on 25 September.

Training @ Hopwood, chef lecturer, Andrew George, spoke to the group about his work in the food industry. Having worked both as a chef and a food scientist, he was able to explain the many areas of employment available in the industry.

Bev Harmstone and Karen Cumming spoke about the opportunities of employment through apprenticeships and trainee programmes with national companies, as well as the vocational qualifications on offer at Hopwood Hall College.

Training @ Hopwood was joined at the event by Andrew Nutter, of Nutters restaurant in Rochdale, who gave the group an insight into how he made his way into the industry. He stressed to them that what mattered was enthusiasm and passion for the industry.

In addition the group were told of the benefits of volunteering and how this could improve their chances of gaining employment.

Janice Percy from the Healey Dell Heritage Centre explained the importance of developing workplace skills and learning how to deal with the public, something that employers value in potential employees.

The group was also given information from Helen Cobb from Deckers Group, the parent company of the Peacock Room at the Crimble and the Royal Toby, about what makes a good CV, the common problems when applying for jobs, and hints and tips on how to stand out at interview.

Bev Harmstone, from Training @ Hopwood commented: “The event was a huge success. We had some great feedback from the group who found it very interesting to hear about the opportunities in the food industry.

"Many have asked for more information and advice on how to take the next steps into the industry which we are very excited about.”

After the event, the group were given a special guided tour of the Rochdale Pioneer Museum, where they were shown how just one small idea can inspire much more and take you in new directions - something that this group now hopes to do soon.